Yes, dogs can fly on planes. Small dogs ride in the cabin in a carrier under the seat on most US airlines. Bigger dogs have far fewer options, because the major US airlines have stopped carrying pets in the hold.
Key facts
- Small dogs fly in the cabin in a carrier under the seat on most US airlines.
- Cabin fees are $50 to $150 each way on US airlines.
- United, Delta and American no longer take pet dogs in the hold except for military and State Department moves.
- Trained service dogs fly free; emotional support animals fly as pets.
The three ways a dog can fly
- In the cabin, in a carrier under the seat. The usual option. Your dog must fit in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, usually around 17 to 18 inches long and 8.5 to 11 inches high.
- In the hold or as cargo. For dogs too big for the cabin. In the US, only Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines still take pets in the baggage compartment for regular travelers; United, Delta and American limit it to military and State Department moves. See flying a pet in cargo.
- As a trained service dog. Under US rules, a trained service dog can fly in the cabin at your feet without a carrier. Emotional support animals no longer count and must fly as pets.
Airlines that allow dogs in the cabin
All of these accept small dogs in the cabin. Fees are one way:
| Airline | Cabin fee, one way | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | C$50–60 Canada/US; C$100–120 international | North America |
| Alaska Airlines | $100 each way; $35 within Hawaii | North America |
| Allegiant Air | $50 per segment | North America |
| American Airlines | $150 per kennel, each way | North America |
| Delta Air Lines | $150 US/Canada; $200 international | North America |
| Frontier Airlines | $149 per pet, each way | North America |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $100 each way; $35 within Hawaii | North America |
| JetBlue | $150 each way | North America |
| Southwest Airlines | $125 each way; $35 between Hawaiian islands | North America |
| United Airlines | $150 each way | North America |
| WestJet | C$50–59 Canada/US; C$100–118 elsewhere | North America |
| Air France | €200 US$225 on US–Europe routes | Europe |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | €70–500 each way, by route | Europe |
| Lufthansa | Varies by route; not published | Europe |
| Turkish Airlines | US$75 published interline rate; varies | Europe |
British Airways, Emirates and Qatar Airways don't allow pet dogs in the cabin. Compare every airline side by side.
How to book a flight with your dog
- Measure your dog and the carrier. Your dog has to stand and turn around inside. Then check the carrier against your airline with the carrier size checker.
- Book your seat, then add the dog straight away. Airlines cap pets per flight. JetBlue allows six per flight, for example, and space goes in booking order.
- Check where you're flying. Many airlines don't allow cabin pets to or from Hawaii, the UK, Ireland, Jamaica, Australia or New Zealand. United and Delta each publish their own lists of banned destinations.
- Sort out paperwork for international trips. Dogs entering the US must meet CDC rules, which include a minimum age of 6 months, a microchip and a CDC Dog Import Form. Your destination may need a health certificate too.
- Pay the fee. Some airlines charge at booking (JetBlue, Frontier), others at the airport (Southwest, American, Delta).
On the day
- Walk your dog just before you leave and again at the airport's pet relief area.
- At US security you carry your dog through the metal detector on a leash; the empty carrier goes through the X-ray.
- Your dog stays zipped inside the carrier, under the seat, from boarding until you leave the plane. You can't take a seat in an exit row or, on most airlines, the bulkhead row.
What if my dog is too big for a carrier?
Read airlines that allow large dogs in the cabin. The short version: no major US airline lets a large pet dog sit in the cabin, but ITA Airways now does on some Italian domestic flights, and dog-focused charters like BARK Air sell seats for dogs of any size.
Questions people ask
Can dogs fly on planes?
Yes. Small dogs can fly in the cabin on most US and many international airlines, in a carrier that fits under the seat. Larger dogs need to fly in the hold, on a dog charter, or qualify as trained service dogs.
Can I bring my dog on a plane for free?
Only trained service dogs fly free. Pet dogs in the cabin cost $50 to $150 each way on US airlines.
What airlines allow dogs in the cabin?
United, Delta, American, Alaska, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier and Allegiant in the US, plus Air Canada, WestJet, KLM, Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines, among others.
Is there a weight limit for dogs in the cabin?
US airlines don't set one; the dog just has to fit in the carrier. KLM, Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines cap dog plus carrier at 8 kg (17.6 lb).
